Hello everyone! I prefer to just go by Ivy, no need for formalities lol... the "Lady" just sounded a bit more elegant. I chose this name because during meditative contact with the Crone archetype I was introduced the ivy plant as a "power plant" of mine, something I can evoke during healings and other spellwork, a guide of sorts. If you would like to try this meditation just send me a PM and I can copy it out of the book source.
I'm very new to the Craft as a serious lifepath. I've dabbled here and there for several years, which helped me to test the magickal waters and get a feel for the schools of thought that are out there. So far I haven't found a set path that I want to commit to inside of the broad practice of Witchcraft... I think my indecision is due mostly to my discomfort with the "God/Goddess" duality. I choose to perceive them in terms of one much higher, unified force or presence which I address as the Universe or the Abyss. I don't know why I'm so put off by the idea of an ultimate God and Goddess... I guess those words just don't have the right nuance to get my magickal ego working? And so far I haven't been able to find a magick-practicing path that does away with the God/Goddess devotion other than Chaos magick. I do lean toward being a "chaote," but a rather dull one lol.
That isn't to say I don't believe in or work with any deities, I just don't see them as the pinnacle of creation or the ultimate high power. When I do call upon a specific higher being, it is almost always Quan Yin, the bodhisattva of compassion and mercy, or some of her many faces. I am drawn to her because she fills where I feel I am lacking (in personality, will, devotion, so many places...), allowing me to become more whole and to, over time, integrate her qualities. I draw on a lot of Eastern sources for spiritual and religious inspiration and guidance, but my magickal practice is more centered around typical (Neo)Pagan traditions. I would, however, like to study Babylonian deities a bit more, because I enjoyed reading the Enuma Elish and I became interested in Tiamat as a figure of Chaos (Creation, pure potential) and motherly protection and guidance.
So, I joined this site to help me explore and share magickal views, to be with like- and unlike-minded people for inspiration and advice, and to help cultivate some self-discipline by being a humble, contributing member of the site.
If you think I can help with anything, please don't hesitate to mail me! :D I would be happy to help you design and/or write a spell, but I will not cast one for you; with you maybe, but not for you.
Some mantras you may enjoy:
Om Namah Shivaya
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare.
Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare.
Namo Guan Shih Yin Pusa
